The automobile was still in its infancy, and the United States was no where near as dependant on oil as it is 100 years later in 2009. H. C. Phelps was a master of persuasive advertising, encouraging his customers to “cut out the middleman” and buy directly from him via the United States Postal Service.

Purchasers of the 1910 model were assured they were getting the up-to-date models, not shopworn ones that had sat in third party displays waiting to be sold. Even then, this mode of transportation had its “lemons” it seems.

Can’t you just imagine your ancestors excitement when their new well-built buggy arrived at the post office? With 125 styles to choose from, it would have taken all winter just to decide which one to buy!